Saed Hindash/The Star-LedgerVeteran center John Madden said he hasn't spoken to the Devils about a new contract and will test the market July 1 as an unrestricted free agent.

John Madden has won two Stanley Cup championships with the Devils and remains one of the club's key veteran forwards, but he hasn't spoken to general manager Lou Lamoriello yet about a new contract and will therefore test the market on July 1 as an unrestricted free agent.

In a conversation Monday, Madden said he wouldn't rule out re-signing with the Devils but doesn't have any talks with Lamoriello scheduled.

"I think either way I'll end up going to July 1st. I've waited this long. I might as well see it through for the next couple of weeks," Madden told me.

The 36-year-old center played 76 games last season and scored 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists). That was a drop in offensive production from the previous season.

Madden's role shadowing top opposing scorers was also diminished at various points during the season by coach Brent Sutter. So, will he have to convince the Devils to take him back?

"I don't want to try to convince anybody. I want a team that wants me there and needs me there, someone for whom I can provide my services," he said. "I do believe there are a lot of teams out there that I can help."

And the Devils might still want him back. Lamoriello has been focused recently on finding a new head coach more than signing free agents.

Asked if he thinks the Devils want him back, Madden said: "I think they do. I hope they do. I'd like to stay but I really don't know. It's hard to say when you haven't talked to anyone."

He said a possible return to the Devils for a 10th full season likely won't hinge on the person hired to be the next coach.

"I don't think so. A coach is a coach," Madden said. "I'm just going to play hockey, so I don't think that will matter either way. I'm curious to see who will be the coach. There are some good candidates out there, including John MacLean."

Madden said he backed Sutter's decision to step down.

"I am a bit surprised, but I also think he made the right choice," Madden explained. "The reason he said was being away from home and his daughter and family. Can't argue with those reasons."

Madden's Morris County home is for sale, but it has been his intention to build a new home on another piece of property he owns nearby.